Bifurcation of spatio-temporal oscillation pattern on transportation network of slime mold

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K03774
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 13040:Biophysics, chemical physics and soft matter physics-related
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Takamatsu Atsuko 早稲田大学, 理工学術院, 教授 (20322670)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 結合振動子系 / キメラ状態 / 粘菌 / 複雑ネットワーク

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The phenomenon of synchronization among nonlinear oscillators, elements that exhibit flexible and stable oscillations, plays an important role in a wide range of systems from man-made objects to living organisms. In this context, a phenomenon called "chimeric state," in which a group of oscillators with identical properties spontaneously divides into synchronized and asynchronous clusters under certain conditions, has been theoretically discovered. In this study, using an oscillatory cell called a true slime mold as a model organism, to clarify its existence, the spatio-temporal patterns of oscillation during its growth process was investigated. By combining mathematical models, we showed that spatially asymmetric positive and negative interactions in slime molds may generate the diverse oscillatory patterns that emerge as the slime molds grow.

Free Research Field

生物物理

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで、非線形結合振動子系に現れる「キメラ状態」という現象は、理論上か、もしくは、単純な化学反応系でしか報告されて来なかった。生物における重要性は指摘されてきたが、これまでそのような報告はなかった。今回、おそらく初めて、生物での「キメラ状態」の報告となる。粘菌のような単純な系を用いることで、「キメラ状態」の生物学的意義を議論することができた。すなわち、粘菌はシステムとして、「キメラ状態」のしくみを利用し、振動の空間パターンを変化させ、環境に留まったり、逃れたりといった適応的な行動をしている可能性が示された。